City of Toronto crews are working throughout the day to clear catch basins, salt and plow roads, and pick up downed tree limbs. While residents are asked to exercise caution if they must venture outdoors, the temperature is rising, which means melting ice on trees and roads will reduce hazards.

More than 500 Transportation staff are clearing snow from catch basins across the city where pooling has resulted from the rain and melting snow. Residents are asked to assist by clearing snow away from catch basins and area or stairwell drains near their homes to avoid potential basement flooding. Homeowners should also clear snow from window wells and the sides of homes to avoid flooding. Some localized flooding may occur near rivers; as always, parents are advised to keep children away from river banks.

As well, more than 1,100 snow plows and salt trucks are out clearing and salting roads. Crews are also clearing bus stops and sidewalks to ensure the evening commute is as painless as possible for residents.

Crews from Parks, Forestry and Recreation are responding to calls - and will do so into the evening and weekend - about downed tree limbs. More than 25 crews are out, clearing downed trees and limbs. The City has access to another 40 contract crews if required. Forestry crews work in concert with Toronto Hydro, but residents should call 416-338-TREE (8733) to report large, downed trees and limbs in their neighbourhoods on public property. Residents should call private tree service companies for dangerous trees or limbs on private property.

Crews from solid waste will do a special pick up of tree limbs this Monday, March 5. Residents are asked to break limbs up as best as they can for collection. Regular garbage collection continues today, although trucks are having difficulty on some roads. If your garbage is not picked up today, the City will get to it on Saturday.

All other City operations continue as normal, including parks and recreation programs. Residents should call ahead, however, to ensure their program or event has not been cancelled.

Toronto Fire Services reports that between midnight and 9 a.m. this morning, firefighters responded to 536 incidents, the number of calls, however, is returning to normal levels.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.